Reincarnated with a Country Creation System
Chapter 65: Exchange of Words Part 1

Reginald decided to push forward with a new line of questioning. Something had been nagging at him since his arrival. He leaned slightly forward, keeping his gaze fixed on Emily.

"I hope you won't mind another question, Minister Harris," he began. "Who exactly is your leader? And how is it that you speak Triesenese so fluently? It's a rather curious coincidence."

Emily remained composed, though Reginald noticed a brief pause before she replied. "Our leader prefers to maintain a level of anonymity, at least for the time being. What I can tell you is that they are a visionary who has led Valoria through a period of rapid development and change."

Reginald nodded but wasn't satisfied with the vague answer. "A visionary leader who remains in the shadows—quite an enigma. And the language? You and every Valorian I've encountered so far speak Triesenese with remarkable fluency. It is... uncanny, to say the least."

Emily's lips curved into a slight smile. "We anticipated that this would come up sooner or later. Our ability to speak Triesenese is not a coincidence. We have been speaking it ever since our nation was created."

"Oh really? Since when? Because as far as I am concerned lady, your country didn't exist until this year…It's weird and I'm sure the rest of the world would say the same."

"That is not the room for that discussion," Emily's eyes narrowed ever so slightly at Reginald's boldness. For a brief moment, the room's air seemed to thicken, the polite diplomacy giving way to a more charged atmosphere. She held his gaze, her previous warmth replaced with a steely edge. "Not every nation has an up-to-date understanding of global geography.

What is known or unknown to the world is often dictated by the narrative set by those in power."

Reginald didn't break eye contact. "A narrative? Interesting choice of words, Minister. Valoria's sudden appearance raises many questions—questions that demand answers if we are to proceed with any meaningful dialogue. You speak of narratives as if this is all a story to be crafted, one that you control."

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Emily leaned back slightly, her expression unreadable. "Every nation has its story, Lord Reginald. Valoria is no different. We do not owe our history or origins to anyone, least of all to satisfy foreign curiosity. Our concern is the future—how we engage with the world moving forward."

Reginald felt a surge of frustration. She was deflecting, maneuvering around his questions with the grace of a seasoned diplomat. "So, Valoria is content with being an enigma," he pressed. "You appear out of nowhere, with a leader who prefers anonymity, speaking our language as if it were your own. It's as if your nation was plucked from thin air.

This isn't about satisfying curiosity, Minister Harris; it's about understanding who we are dealing with."

Emily's eyes hardened. "You are dealing with a sovereign nation, Lord Reginald. A nation that has chosen its path, one that does not require validation from Triesenberg or any other power. Our leader's anonymity is not a sign of weakness but of strategic foresight. They believe in the strength of Valoria as a collective, not in the glorification of a single figurehead."

Reginald leaned forward, his voice lowering. "Strategic foresight or strategic concealment? There's a fine line between the two. And forgive me for being blunt, but nations do not simply 'appear.' There are protocols, recognition by other states, integration into the global community. Valoria has bypassed all of that, and yet you expect us to engage with you as equals?"

Emily's calm demeanor cracked, her gaze now piercing. "You misunderstand, Lord Reginald. Valoria does not seek permission to exist. We do not require approval or validation from your empire or any other. We stand as we are. And whether you accept it or not, we will proceed on our terms."

Reginald felt his pulse quicken. There was an undercurrent in her words that suggested power and resolve, a reminder that Valoria was not a country to be trifled with. But he couldn't let this go so easily.

"Please remind us again who approached us?" Emily said. "Isn't it the Triesenberg Empire? Who sent two fighter aircrafts into our airspace just so you can establish contact with us?"

Reginald's voice hardened. "That was true, yes. But given the circumstances, can you blame us? A new nation emerges out of nowhere, occupies a strategic position, and refuses to offer a clear account of its origins. Any responsible power would have done the same."

Emily's eyes remained locked onto his, unflinching. "And yet, you approached us. You, who represent a nation known for its calculated power plays, decided to make contact with Valoria. We welcomed the approach with an open hand and I think we are steering away from our main point of discussion here, Lord Reginald.

The point is not about Valoria's origins or how we came to be but rather how we move forward. You initiated this contact because you saw something in Valoria that piqued your empire's interest. Now, you are here. So let us talk about the future rather than fixating on the past."

Reginald felt a flicker of irritation at her attempt to steer the conversation back to neutral territory. "You must understand, Minister Harris, that our concerns are not without merit. Diplomacy is built on trust, and trust is built on transparency. Yet, you refuse to give even the most basic explanations about your nation's sudden emergence."

Emily's gaze didn't waver. "Trust is also built on actions, Lord Reginald. We have shown no hostility toward Triesenberg. We have not interfered with your interests, nor have we made demands. We are offering dialogue, an opportunity to explore a potential partnership. Is that not a gesture of goodwill?"

"You seemed to have forgotten that you intervened in a civil war in the Kingdom of Zambesi."

"And you seem to have forgotten that you have supported the tribes that rebelled against the legitimate government," Emily reminded. "The Triesenberg Empire won't support a party unless it will get something beneficial out of it. Could it be gauging our military capabilities?"

Reginald felt his chest tighten as Emily's words struck closer to the truth than he was comfortable admitting. She was on target, hinting at the exact intentions that Triesenberg's high command had hoped to keep shrouded in diplomatic guise. Yet, he knew better than to show his discomfort. He needed to keep control of the conversation.

"Your assumptions are interesting," he replied, forcing an air of calm. "We involve ourselves where we see fit, where stability and order are threatened. The situation in the Kingdom of Zambesi was one of such cases."

Emily's eyes narrowed, her gaze unrelenting. "And it just so happened that you chose the side that opposed our intervention. A curious coincidence, wouldn't you say?"